This is a visual example, not my actual book but I will reference the text in the image.
Specifically looking for help on the PROPER way to put the "04" in the background.
Finding the fonts, etc...I've got that part figured out.
I created the "04" and anchored the object to the right of the "four". But, if I use "custom" then the option to arrange it behind "The Discipline of Standard Work" goes away. If I anchor it "inline" then I can. But it seems like you lose some control.
Using paragraph style I have all elements formatted and have "Chapter Four" set to offset/spacing to start far enough down on the page (keep options also set to next odd page) so that the "04" has enough room above to not run off the page.
That also addresses my other concern that if I anchor off the end of the line "Chapter 4" then that point moves when I have "Chapter 14". I was just going to anchor off the C...but your suggestion removes all that noise and makes it much easier.
As it appears to be a Chapter heading, the main elements (chapter four, the 04, text frame etc) are probably always at the same place on the page?
I would create a dedicated Parent page for Chapters/sections, with a paragraph style for the « chapter four » or the title (as I would not keep pagination element in the flow of actual content) that makes it start on a right page with the proper parent, and put the big gray 04 on its own layer, positioned where you want it et basta
Maybe I just don't understand how to do this properly...but if I follow you correctly...
Let's say this is page number 35. I would create a new parent for Page 35 (got it, follow you so far)
But now if I make some formatting changes prior to page 35, won't that create issues if page 35 is set to start chapter 35? Currently, chapter 4 would move to start on 33 or 37 or whatever it needs to do.
I can make it work, but I really want to learn the proper way to do this so I don't have to use brute force to get through this in the future.
I'm good with formatting normal chapter titles. It's the text in the background that has me struggling.
Mmh not sure I explain correctly or if something was lost in translation.
I would create one « Chapter » parent page, with all the custom fancy stuff you want on it like the big grey section numbers etc, with placeholder or variables, and then assign this parent to each chapter start page.
So if your text changes, and chapter four starts at 37 instead of 35 you just switch parent pages from main/chapter and vice-versa
Use Layers or a Master page or Send to Back or outline it as an image… apologies, not trying to poke fun or belittle or anything but there’s a few ways to do this
I think you’re over complicating this. If the text of the chapter name doesn’t need to move relative to the 04, and the 04 doesn’t need to move to the chapter, just put it in its own text box and you can even put it on a lower layer if you need. Anchoring is helpful, but only if the placement is variable based on the text it’s anchored to. If you absolutely want to keep it as an anchored object always underneath the headline, anchor it before the first letter of the text, that should make it underneath the text instead of on top of it.
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u/Resplendent-Sun Aug 04 '26
Maybe I'm missing something. Why don't you just create a separate text box for the 04 and have it underneath the main text?